A simple guide to the tech lingo every business should know
Ever get stuck in a conversation with your IT provider or tech team and feel like they’re speaking another language? We’ve got you. Here's a plain-English breakdown of common tech terms—no jargon, no fluff—just what you need to know to keep your business smart and secure.
The Basics: Accounts, Access & Security
Admin Rights
These are powerful user accounts with full control over your systems. Only IT pros should have them—everyday users with admin rights are a big risk for mistakes or malware.
Everyday User Accounts
What most staff should be using. Limited access means fewer risks if something goes wrong.
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
That extra code you get by text or app after typing your password. It adds a second layer of protection to keep hackers out.
MFA Fatigue Attack
A sneaky trick where hackers send you a ton of login requests hoping you’ll click “Approve” just to stop the annoyance.
User Permissions
Who’s allowed to see, edit, or delete what. Set this carefully to avoid accidents or data leaks.
SSO (Single Sign-On)
One login for multiple apps. Super convenient, but it needs to be locked down tightly.
Password Manager
An app that remembers strong passwords for you, so you don’t have to reuse “123456.”
Protecting Your Devices & Data
Antivirus
The basics. Blocks known threats—but don’t count on it to stop everything.
Endpoint
Any device connected to your network: laptops, phones, tablets, etc.
EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response)
A smarter version of antivirus that looks for strange behavior, not just known viruses.
Firewall
Your digital security guard, keeping unwanted internet traffic out.
Firewall Rules
The instructions that decide what traffic can come in or go out.
Encryption
Locks your data so only the right people can read it—even if it's stolen.
Encryption at Rest
Your data is encrypted while it's sitting in storage, not just while it travels.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A secure tunnel for internet traffic—great for remote workers or public Wi-Fi.
Email & Web Threats
Email Filtering
Stops spam, viruses, and scam emails before they reach your inbox.
Phishing
Fake emails trying to steal your logins or bank info.
Phishing Simulation
Safe practice emails to see if your team can spot a phishing scam.
Ransomware
A nasty virus that locks your files and demands money to unlock them.
Sandboxing
A safe digital “sandbox” where suspicious files can be tested without risk.
Cloud, Backups & Continuity
Cloud
Your emails, files, and systems—stored safely online instead of just on your computer.
Cloud-to-Cloud Backup
Backups of your cloud stuff (like Google Drive or Microsoft 365). Yes, even cloud data needs backups!
Backup
A copy of your important files. Lifesaver when something gets deleted or corrupted.
Business Continuity
A mix of backups, tools, and planning that keeps your business running—even during a tech disaster.
Disaster Recovery
What to do when everything crashes. Think backup systems, spare hardware, or cloud failovers.
Network & Internet Essentials
Bandwidth
How much data your internet connection can handle at once. More = faster.
DNS (Domain Name System)
The internet’s phone book. If DNS breaks, websites stop loading—even with internet access.
Downtime
When your systems stop working. Business stalls, sales pause, productivity tanks.
Uptime
The percentage of time your systems are up and running. Aim for 99.99%.
Tech at Work: Devices, Support & Rules
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Staff use their own laptops or phones for work. Convenient, but risky if not properly managed.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Keeps work phones/tablets secure. Can wipe data if a device is lost or stolen.
RMM (Remote Monitoring & Management)
Lets your IT team monitor systems remotely and fix problems fast—without stepping into the office.
Remote Desktop
Access your office computer from anywhere, as if you were sitting right in front of it.
Patch / Patching
Software updates that fix bugs or security flaws.
Patch Management
The system that makes sure all your devices stay patched and protected.
Lifecycle Management
Replacing aging devices before they become slow, unreliable, or a security risk.
People, Processes & Planning
Onboarding / Offboarding
Getting new employees set up with devices and logins (onboarding), or cutting off access when they leave (offboarding).
IT Audit
A full checkup of your tech: what you have, what’s outdated, what’s risky.
Pen Test (Penetration Testing)
Ethical hackers test your defenses before the bad guys do.
Compliance
Following rules like HIPAA or GDPR to avoid fines—or worse, a data breach.
Helpdesk Ticket
How you log a tech issue with your support team.
SLAs (Service Level Agreements)
Agreements on support hours, response time, and more.
Helpdesk SLAs
Promises your IT provider makes about how fast they’ll respond.
Root Cause Analysis
Figuring out what caused a tech issue so it doesn’t keep happening.
Random but Useful
Log File
A digital diary that records what your system’s been up to.
Shadow IT
When employees install unapproved tools or apps without telling anyone—yikes!
Whitelist / Blacklist
Lists of what’s allowed (whitelist) or blocked (blacklist), like websites or apps.
Version Control
Keeps track of document or code changes—no more lost work or overwriting someone else’s edits.
Zero-Day Vulnerability
A brand-new security hole that hackers are already exploiting—and no fix exists yet.
Final Word:
You don’t need to speak fluent geek to protect your business—but knowing the basics can go a long way. Save this guide, share it with your team, and feel a little smarter next time the IT lingo starts flying.